HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University’s annual Meet the Pirates football media day and youth clinic was held at a sun-drenched practice field on campus Saturday afternoon, allowing members of the community to familiarize themselves with the 2008 Pirates.

The event had a picnic-like atmosphere, with hot dogs and hamburgers cooking on the grill throughout the afternoon as Hampton players and coaches were made available to local media. Newspaper writers and television cameramen alike talked to the Pirates, getting their thoughts on the coming season.

Head coach Jerry Holmes, decked in a white shirt and black tie, was among the more popular interviews, talking about his team’s prospects for the season and taking over for long-time Pirates coach Joe Taylor.

Following the interviews, Hampton players took to the field, spending time with local youth groups and each other. Running drills, tossing around the football and letting the children hit the practice dummies, the Pirates used the event to connect with the community’s youth.

There was no formal itinerary to the camp; players merely took the opportunity to play around on the field with each other and assist the youngsters in some of the finer points of football. The offensive linemen even took a few minutes to run a three-on-three blocking drill with the children.

The Pirates kick off the 2008 season on Sunday, Aug. 31 in the SWAC/MEAC Challenge; Hampton will face Jackson State at 2 p.m. in a contest televised live on ESPN2.

Hampton’s first home game will be Sept. 13 against Howard. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium.

For more information on Hampton University football, call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

The original story was published here: http://www.hamptonpirates.com/News/football/2008/7/31/HAMFTB%20(7-31-08).asp?path=football

Tags: black college football, hampton university, hampton university pirates, hbcu football, meac